What term describes movement at a joint that brings a limb away from the midline?

The term that describes movement at a joint that brings a limb away from the midline is abduction. This movement is fundamental in understanding how limbs and body parts move in relation to the body’s center line. Abduction occurs in multiple joints, such as when the arms are lifted sideways away from the torso or when the legs are moved laterally away from the body. This is in contrast to other movements the body can perform.

Flexion refers to bending a joint, reducing the angle between two body parts, such as bringing the arm towards the shoulder. Adduction, on the other hand, is the movement of a limb toward the midline of the body, which is the opposite of abduction. Extension involves straightening a joint, increasing the angle between body parts, which can also move the limb farther away from the original position. Understanding these terms is crucial in anatomy and physiology, as they describe the basic movements of the body that are necessary for various physical activities.